DePauw labeled one of top colleges for studying abroad

DePauw University has moved up one spot and now ranks fourth among the nation’s four-year baccalaureate colleges for the percentage of students studying abroad, according to the 2016 Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange.

Released by the Institute of International Education (IIE) in partnership with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the report finds that the number of international students at U.S. colleges and universities surpassed one million for the first time during the 2015-16 academic year -- an increase of seven percent from the previous year to a new high of nearly 1,044,000, representing five percent of the total student population at U.S. institutions.

Open Doors also reports that more than 313,000 U.S. students received credit for study abroad during 2014-15, an increase of nearly three percent over the previous year.

DePauw had 491 students studying abroad in 2014 and conferred 435 degrees that year, giving the university a 112.9 percent participation rate.

Only Centenary College of Louisiana, Goucher College and Centre College were higher. DePauw has consistently been in the report’s top 10 colleges for several years.

The latest Open Doors report finds that students study abroad in part to gain international experience that can be applied in their careers, and data also show that an increasing number of U.S. students -- more than 22,000 in 2014-15 -- participated in non-credit work, internships and volunteering abroad through which they can gain practical skills.

“We need to empower more of America’s future leaders to experience the world beyond our borders,” Evan Ryan, assistant secretary of state for educational and cultural affairs at the U.S. Department of State, said. “International education helps people develop the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in today’s global economy, and creates networks across borders that improve international understanding and strengthen the national security of the United States.”

“The Open Doors findings show that international students value the quality, diversity and strong reputation of U.S. institutions and recognize that these institutions will give them opportunities that can help them not only in their education but also in their careers,” IIE President Allan Goodman said.